Get started
All the tips and advice you need to start your own self-build project

Get started on your self-build project

Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The national H&R show 18-21March 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham

Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2010

Go green
A range of features on all things eco-friendly, including renewables and energy efficiency

Tips and advice on eco matters

Self-build routes

Why we chose our construction method
Timber frame, masonry or otherwise, your choice of build system will have little impact on your home’s appearance — but it will affect just about everything else. These self builders explain why they chose the systems they did

Why we chose our construction method

New Building Systems
So frequently, in my role as a building pundit, I get asked very direct questions, such as: “What is the best way to build a house?” and “Can I really build a house without central heating?”

New Building Systems

The 12 Steps of Self Build: Your Route
You have the site. You have the promise of finance in place. You have a design. The next big hurdle is to decide how to turn these ideas into reality. How will the project be managed?

 Your Route

Your Homebuilding & Renovating Project Planner
Fancy taking on the role of project manager on site, or just curious to know what to expect on a building project, and when? Our Project Planner will give you all the information you need

Your Homebuilding & Renovating Project Planner

Build Route Options: Part One
Part of H&R's 12 steps of self build: Doing it all yourself or doing nothing - which option suits you?

 Part One

Build Route Options - Part Two
One of the best ways to save money is to take on the role of the builder. In this approach, the self-builder would be responsible for the day-to-day running of the building project

Build Route Options - Part Two

Guaranteed Self Build Success: Part One
How is it that two self-builders, building similar houses to roughly the same specification, can have such varying experiences with costs and the time taken to complete their project?

 Part One

Guaranteed Self Build Success: Part Two
Ten-time self-builder David Snell shares the secrets of a successful homebuilding experience. In part two, David looks at finding a builder and how to make sure everything is ready for your build to begin

 Part Two

Guaranteed Self Build Success: Part Three
Ten-time self-builder David Snell shares the secrets of a successful homebuilding experience. Part three looks at how to cope once your build is under way

 Part Three

Advice on Projects
Bringing in a self-build project on time and on budget can be a daunting prospect. Jason Orme provides some tips

Advice on Projects

The 20 Most Common Mistakes Made by Self-builders...And How to Avoid Them.
We reveal the most common errors made by self-builders, and how you can avoid them

The 20 Most Common Mistakes Made by Self-builders...And How to Avoid Them.